I've been a tournament surf fisherman for many years now. This rod is great for distance. No problem at all with 8 ounces and really leaning hard into it when distance is needed. The rod action is perfect when fishing braid and flexes just enough not to have problems pulling hooks with small to medium fish. You can spend more money on a rod, but this is a high quality, well made rod for a great price.

For the previous reviewer, please learn how rod ratings work. The weight rating is spot on and your own words prove it. A rod capable of casting 8&bait needs to be rated at 8-12 oz. 4oz + bait means your casting at least 5 oz total which is right in the sweet spot for this rod. Which is exactly what it is rated at.

The 12' daiwa emblem is a nice rod. It has a quality blank. I will say that daiwa over rates the weight that their rods will cast. It will not cast 8 oz and bait. So if your looking for a true heavier that will cast 8 and bait. Look else where. But if you want a nice rod that will cast at least 5 oz and bait. And you can catch multiple species of fish on. Then this rod is for you. It is strong enough to catch any six foot shark. But has a light enough tip to detect that pompano bite.